Let’s be honest: if denim feels tired to you in 2025, it might be time to look beyond the basics. While jeans may seem like the most unchanging item in our closets, this year they’re getting the kind of bold, unexpected upgrades that even the most jaded denim lovers can get behind. Case in point? Naomi Watts, who just gave us a reminder that one small twist can completely transform a timeless staple.
Among the flurry of denim trends dominating the style conversation—barrel legs, dramatic flares, and yes, even culottes—Watts’s favorite pair stands out for one simple reason: the cuff. Not just any cuff, though. We’re talking a wide, statement-making roll at the hem, often showcasing a contrasting shade of denim that adds dimension and visual interest. Think classic blue on the leg, then a slightly darker or lighter tone flipped out at the ankle.
It’s minimal effort with maximum payoff.
This week, Watts was spotted once again sporting the bold cuffed jeans she’s clearly come to love, and her loyalty to the look makes a strong case for giving it a try. The rolled hem, both polished and relaxed, feels like the ultimate answer to anyone who’s feeling uninspired by their current denim lineup. It’s still classic, but it’s also got personality—and isn’t that what we’re all looking for right now?
What’s more, this trend isn’t just a Watts-exclusive. Fellow A-listers Nicole Kidman and Natalie Portman have both been seen wearing their own versions of the cuffed jean, bringing their individual flair to the rising silhouette. Kidman opted for a sleek, streamlined style paired with a blazer, while Portman gave the trend a Parisian twist with ballet flats and a cropped jacket. Clearly, the cuffed jean isn’t a one-note wonder—it’s a flexible base that adapts to different aesthetics without losing its edge.
What makes this trend particularly appealing is how wearable it is. While some denim trends skew a little too avant-garde (looking at you, extreme low-rise and patchwork everything), the cuffed jean lands squarely in that sweet spot between modern and familiar. It’s the kind of piece that feels new, without asking you to completely reinvent your wardrobe. Even better? You don’t need a celebrity stylist or a red carpet to pull it off.
For those who want to dip a toe into the trend without diving into luxury price tags, there’s good news: you can snag a pair starting at just $38. From relaxed boyfriend fits to structured straight-leg silhouettes, brands are offering cuffed denim options that work for every budget and body type. Whether you’re shopping at your favorite department store or browsing indie labels online, there’s no shortage of chic, rolled-hem jeans ready to elevate your spring style.
And yes, while you could technically create your own cuffed look by simply rolling up your jeans, there’s something particularly satisfying about a pre-cuffed pair that gets the proportions just right. The contrast in wash, the crispness of the fold—it all adds up to a polished finish that feels intentional, not improvised.
So why does this detail matter so much? Because in fashion, it’s often the smallest changes that breathe new life into the pieces we wear on repeat. A rolled cuff adds structure to a slouchy fit, gives edge to a tailored top, and lets you show off your favorite shoes (boots, heels, sneakers—cuffed jeans play nice with them all). It’s a subtle styling move that says, “Yes, I thought about this outfit,” even if all you did was pull on a t-shirt and go.
With temperatures rising and wardrobes lightening, there’s no better time to give your denim drawer a seasonal refresh. And if Naomi Watts is any indication, starting at the hem might just be the smartest move.
